The world of cricket has navigated a stormy period recently, with developments like Mustafizur Rahman's release from Kolkata Knight Riders and the Bangladesh Cricket Board's initial hesitation to travel to India for the T20 World Cup creating ripples. The International Cricket Council has since intervened to provide assurances. This sporting friction mirrors the strained bilateral relations between the two nations, a situation that intensified following the 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh which resulted in the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
A Flashback to Camaraderie: Saleh's Turning Point
Amid the current diplomatic and sporting tussle, former Bangladesh batsman Rajin Saleh has shared a heartwarming story of cross-border support. He took a nostalgic trip back to 2004, when India toured Bangladesh for a Test and One-Day International series. For Saleh, the series was a personal low, but it became memorable due to the kindness of two Indian legends.
"I was struggling terribly with the bat," Saleh confessed in an exclusive conversation. "I registered two ducks in a Test match and my ODI form was no better, scoring just 14 and 0 in the first two games. I felt completely dejected and my confidence was shattered." This profound low led the young batter to seek guidance from the very best.
The Legendary Dressing Room Advice
Ahead of the third ODI, Saleh gathered the courage to approach Sachin Tendulkar. "I knocked on his door and he welcomed me warmly. I explained my poor form, and he smiled before offering crucial advice," Saleh recalled. Tendulkar emphasized mental resilience, instructing him to bury past performances the moment he walked off the field and start anew in the next match.
As Tendulkar spoke, then-captain Sourav Ganguly entered the room. "Ganguly sat quietly, listening, and then said, 'veer ki tarah khelo, yoddha bano' (play like a warrior, become a fighter). He urged me to bat fearlessly at the crease," Saleh added. This powerful combination of mental strategy and fearless intent proved transformative.
The impact was immediate. In the very next match, Saleh scored a defiant 80-plus runs against a formidable Indian attack featuring Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan, and Harbhajan Singh. "Those words really egged me on," he stated, highlighting the pivotal role the Indian icons played in his career.
Saleh's Lasting Admiration and Current Role
Reflecting on the experience, Saleh expressed deep reverence. "One is God (Sachin) and the other is one of the finest captains India has ever produced. I am truly grateful I played against them." He described the electrifying atmosphere whenever Tendulkar batted, where the chants of "Sachin, Sachin" made it hard for opponents to concentrate.
Today, Rajin Saleh, who represented Bangladesh in 24 Tests and 43 ODIs between 2003 and 2008, serves as the national high-performance batting coach. He is actively involved in coaching a team in the Bangladesh Premier League and with the senior national side.
He also reminisced about his friendships with Indian cricketers like Mohammed Kaif and Yuvraj Singh from their Under-19 World Cup days. "We miss playing against India," Saleh said, recalling Yuvraj's generosity. "I once asked him for bats, and he took me to the dressing room saying, 'le lo jo bhi bat chahiye' (take whichever bat you want). He has such a big heart." His stories offer a poignant contrast to the current geopolitical tensions affecting the sport.
